Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    20 Oct 2026

    Creative geotechnical photography

    Inspired by her surroundings at RHS Rosemoor, where she was carrying out the ground investigation for a new educational facility, and with one eye on the Ruddlesden geotechnical site photograph of the year competition, Catherine Greed got creative with her site photography recently, framing the dynamic sampling rig within the last of the summer flowers.

    Creative geotechnical photography
  • Recent projects

    Soakaway Drainage Feasibility Assessment, Cornwall

    Soakaway drainage, combined with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), was proposed as a means of surface water drainage at a proposed residential development site in Cornwall. Soakaway testing and assessment was as a pre-commencement planning requirement. In order to provide soil infiltration rates for preliminary design, in-situ soakaway testing was undertaken in accordance with BRE DG 365. Close liaison with the consulting engineer ensured that the test locations were targeted at key locations and depths across the site. In addition to considering the infiltration characteristics at the site, as parts the site were relatively steeply sloping, a slope stability assessment was undertaken, to assess how soakaway drainage might affect slope instability; soakaways had to be carefully sited as a result of this. Long-term groundwater level monitoringwas also undertaken to demonstrate that the seasonal high groundwater table would not rise above the base of the soakaway.

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  • Recent projects

    Validation Testing in Somerset to Satisfy NHBC and Local Authority

    Ten years after carrying out the original contamination investigation and assessment, Ruddlesden geotechnical returned to the site to carry out the validation testing of the remedial works. The validation testing included hand-excavated trial pits in garden areas, to obtain samples for laboratory testing to confirm the cleanliness of the capping soil in garden areas and to provide a photographic record of the depth of the capping layer, as well as documentary evidence of the gas protection measuresand upgraded water supply pipes. The site visit was attended promptly and the laboratory testing was expedited, following which the report was issued without delay, to ensure they were no problems with sales.

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